Product Information:
This is the oldest Australian whisky to date, Sullivan's Cove are immensely proud to introduce HH0004.
Laid down during their fifth year of operation, this cask offers a rare glimpse into the earliest chapters of our distillery's history. Heather Tillott, Distillery Manager describes it as "Deeply inviting. The epitome of well-aged Sullivan's Cove spirit at its full potential." The style of spirit crafted back in 1999 was designed for long-term maturation, and the rich rewards of those additional years are abundant in this exceptional cask. "HH0004 exudes depth and complexity from the moment it's nosed, with a rich interplay of floral, sweet, and savoury elements." HH0004 has yielded just 335 bottles at 52% ABV.
This Old & Rare American oak second-fill barrel was filled on October 5th, 1999, and patiently matured for 24 years until it reached its peak on January 5th, 2024. Each bottle comes in a handmade, solid oak presentation box, and includes a letter of authenticity signed by their Distillery Manager.
Maker:
In 1994, on remote island at the far end of the world, a distillery was brought to life from humble beginnings. Away from the whisky establishment, Sullivans Cove were free to explore and perfect their process. Informed by the past and inspired by possible. Bringing a distinctly Tasmanian twist to a whisky craft, shaped by centuries of practice. 20 years later, their commitment to carefully crafting exceptional whisky, inspired by nature and patiently aged, was rewarded when Sullivans Cove was named the World’s Best Whisky. Overnight the secret was out. Special things were quietly happening on this small 'Apple Isle', and whisky lovers globally were intrigued.
In a world of instant gratification and impatient consumption, Sullivans Cove offer an alternative. Genuinely rare whisky which can’t be rushed and which can never be replicated.
Philosophy:
Distilled in Hobart, Tasmania, Sullivans Cove single malt is made using traditional methods and 100% Tasmanian ingredients. Inspired by nature and patiently aged, the distillers aim to seek the sublime. Each cask is nurtured to it's natural peak, thousands of tiny decisions go into helping each cask reach its full potential. No two batches will be the same and every batch an opportunity for exploration.
Tasmania has some of the cleanest water in world, making it an ideal place for producing world class whisky. Tasmania also has some of the best barley growing land in Australia. The combination of good water and good grain is the foundation of all high-end whisky.
100% Tasmanian malted barley is used to make all Sullivans Cove whiskies. The wash is brewed locally by brewers with decades of experience before being double distilled in a unique, Tasmanian built pot still (lovingly called Myrtle). The first distillation, known as the "wash run" produces "low wines" of about 20% abv. The low wines are then put back through the still for the "spirit run" to produce a spirt of around 70% abv. This spirit is then diluted to 63.5% abv before it enters into the casks for ageing. The majority of whiskies are aged in either 200L American oak ex-bourbon barrels, or 300L French oak ex-tawny barrels. Allowed to mature over many years in the unique Tasmanian climate - generally between nine and eighteen years.
Nose - Floral, Maple Syrup, Spiced Fruits
Deeply floral, dark and treacly with nuances of anise and spice. An acutely integrated tapestry of savoury, floral and syrupy-sweet notes, the nose opens with buttered popcorn, dark, oaky maple syrup, and a deep cherry/strawberry jam note. Waxy tropical flower and tropical fruit notes (pineapple, frangipani, and coconut) come next, as aromatic base notes of gingerbread, sweetened red bean paste and lots of true cinnamon rise up. The oaky maple syrup note then progresses into rich cacao as the whisky receives air in the glass, and anise and clove weave throughout the layers.
Palate - Cacao, Leatherwood Honey, Oak Spice
The texture and weight of the spirit is incredibly thick and oily. Walnuts and hazelnuts dusted with icing sugar, toasted almonds, more maple syrup and rich cacao welcome the palate. Quickly met by a lathering of leatherwood honey, a burst of tingly oak spice, green peppercorn, and aloe vera. A herbal layer rests above (chamomile and mint), as savoury wafts of beef rendang and a prominent cinnamon/nutmeg note takes its place within the framework of the biscuity base. As the initial flurry of oak spices settle, the creamy and confectionery-driven side to the palate comes forward with taffy, Jersey caramels, marshmallow, and crème caramel.
Finish - Leathery Vanilla, Icing Sugar, Rose Perfume
A beautiful crescendo into the finish brings about deep leathery vanillic wafts, cantaloupe with icing sugar, dehydrated papaya and rose perfume. Profound length sees caramel sauce meet bright refreshing flickers of more aloe vera (as the palate) and sweet lemon lollies, as the finish.
Bottling Information
Barrel No. - HH0004
Bottle No. - 206 of 335
Filled On - 05/10/1999
Decanted On - 05/01/2024
The Fine Details
Style - Whisky
Country - Australia
Region - Tasmania
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 52%
